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Empower yourself to lead the change

Find a degree or certificate to succeed in a changing economy.

 

In this sector, each program is a passion project – a commitment to community advocacy and a better future for us all. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just entering the field, we can help you find a degree or certificate to match your goals.

To create these programs, we worked closely with city and county agencies to identify the most useful and professionally attractive skills for the sector. In each course, faculty use real-world experience to introduce concepts and methods you can apply immediately. With case studies, close industry partnerships, and powerful peer networks, an education with us is a singular opportunity.

Whatever your ambition, our programs can prepare you for an enriching career in public service. Explore our options – from short-term leadership certificates to industry focused graduate degrees – and build the future you want.

 

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Job Outlook

When choosing a program, it’s important to know the outcomes of previous students. Whether they went on to successful careers or what jobs they began after graduation – this data can help you plan your future and decide which program is right for you.

Public Administration

CSUN ranks 3rd as a talent provider for occupations like Social and Community Service Managers, Chief Executives, General and Operations Managers, Legislators, Administrative Services Managers, and Managers, all other in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim.

Social Services

CSUN ranks 1st as a talent provider for occupations like Social and Community Service Managers; Marriage and Family Therapists; Counselors, all other; Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Social Workers, all other; and Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim.

Where Our Alumni Are Today

No. of master’s-level
alumni in the sector:
3,055
Nationwide employment:
86%
of MPA Alumni are
employed full-time
(Source: NASPAA Data Center)

Companies they work for:

  • Los Angeles Unified School District
  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • Los Angeles County FCA
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • County of Ventura

Companies Hiring:

  • Anthem Inc.
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Deloitte LLP
  • Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
  • University of California
  • Raytheon Company
  • Easter Seals, Inc.

Top job titles:

  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Chief Executives
  • Social and Human Service Assistants
  • Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
  • Social and Community Service Managers
  • Management Analysts
  • General and Operations Managers

*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Emsi (national statistics unless otherwise noted)

 

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Program Features

Get personal, ongoing support.

From day one, you’ll receive the support of a personal program team. These specialists, in addition to being good listeners, can help you with all administrative matters, freeing you to focus on your course work and your career.

Learn with a community – from start to finish.

When you start a new program, you’ll join a learning community of students and faculty. With this group of professionals and industry experts, you’ll move toward graduation, building a network along the way and setting the stage for advancement in your field.

Professional programs from a university you can trust.

All of our programs are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and many possess field-specific accreditations as well. On professional and licensure exams, our students regularly score as high as or higher than their on-campus counterparts – and, in many fields, we lead the nation in pass rates.

Receive guaranteed tuition.

When you enter one of our programs, you pay the same price from start to finish. No changes, no increases – just the amount you agreed to at the start. By ensuring a fixed price, we give you the peace of mind to continue your studies without changes or disruptions.

Take courses designed and taught by industry experts.

Before a program begins, our professors spend four to six months working with a credentialed instructional designer. During that time, the team works to integrate the instructor’s personal teaching style and expertise into every lecture, assignment and learning module.

Learn your field from anywhere, at any time.

Interested in career advancement, but prefer to learn virtually? On our convenient online platform, you can earn your professional experience and credentials without ever leaving the comfort and safety of home. Our online courses feature real-time class sessions, on-demand access to learning materials, and frequent networking opportunities with your peers.

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Start your new path.

Master of Public Administration

CSUN is one of the nation’s leading providers of MPA degrees. This program is designed for professionals employed in all areas of the public sector who wish to improve their management skills and knowledge. The program is offered online, on campus, and at various Southern California locations. CSUN’s MPA options:

  • Public Sector Management and Leadership
  • Nonprofit Sector Management
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Diverse Community Development Leadership

This online master’s program prepares you for a career leading diverse organizations and communities. With an emphasis on social justice and theory, you’ll know, upon graduating, how to develop and implement fair and equitable practices in cities across the nation.

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Public Health: Community Health Education

Never has good public health been a more urgent need. Cities, counties and federal agencies are aggressively recruiting graduates of MPH programs, who can provide timely and credible health information to the public – about everything from pandemics to food programs. This master’s degree is ideal if you’re interested in a career with the World Health Organization, which requires a postgraduate specialization in a health- or management-related field for its higher-grade positions.

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Social Work

In this program, you’ll learn how to improve social services and urban conditions for people and communities in Southern California and across the nation. Delivered fully online, the program provides the skills and knowledge to thrive at all levels of the field – individual, group, and societal – and arranges fieldwork placements for you.

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Applied Behavior Analysis

As a behavior analyst, you can help improve the lives of clients and caregivers through effective behavioral inventions. In large cities, many with booming populations, the demand for these experts is high. A degree in the field not only prepares you for the important work of client recovery and improvement, but it also, if you choose CSUN, qualifies you to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Many, upon finishing this degree, continue on to doctoral work in related fields.

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Communicative Disorders

This award-winning, online program prepares you to meet entry-level professional requirements for careers assisting both children and adults with a wide range of communication disorders.

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Assistive Technology and Human Services

In cities around the country, persons with disabilities rely on assistive technology devices to pursue active, healthy lives. By earning this degree, you can begin a career focused on helping assistive technology users; ensuring compliance with regulations; and creating a more equitable environment for all.

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Public Sector Management

This multidisciplinary program covers both business and public sector areas, including budgeting, management, team building, problem solving and other courses vital for managers working in the government or nonprofit sectors.

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Virtual Experience

Visualize your tomorrow, today

Enter an immersive virtual experience and visualize your future with a public sector and social services degree from CSUN. Explore interactive networks, experience the power of CSUN connections, and discover the opportunities waiting for you.

Enter The Experience

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